Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S representatives at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships found the going tough on Saturday with the best performance being a 49th-place finish by Godwin Katakura.
Seven athletes represented the country at the global championships held in Tallahassee, Florida, United States.
Katakura placed 49th in the senior men’s race (10km) with a time of 31 minutes 09 seconds as he made his first appearance at the event.
Going into the race, Katakura said he was hoping to rise from an injury setback and do his best.
“That was not very bad on my side based on how I trained and also my injury,” said Katakura.
“The course was very tough. But that’s cross country it’s supposed to be tough. The competition was really tough.
“The time was not bad to me because the course was very challenging.
“It was a great opportunity for me to race with the big guys from around the world.
“Based on the experience from this competition, we have to improve on some of our training sessions.”
His coach Alden Muhoni said, “I think he fared well given that he didn’t train much for the Cross Country Championship after the Hwange Marathon because he picked up an injury.
“He also couldn’t participate in Botswana Cross Country as planned because of that injury. He trained for just two weeks, so the result is a good reflection of what fitness he had.” Muhoni said the experience at such events is vital for athletes’ development and growth.
“Racing against the world’s top talent is a huge achievement and that gives him confidence and experience. He will understand that there’s a lot of effort still needed in training because of the tough opponents he faced.
“I thank the organising team from NAAZ and other sporting arms for the support and making sure that athletes participate in these global events.
“It’s not easy but they tried their best. He raced the world’s best in that distance and finishing in position 49 with a good time of 31.09 minutes on such tough terrain and in such temperatures is commendable,” added Muhoni.
Bradley Makuvire finished on position 87th in 33 minutes 05 seconds out of the 114 athletes that crossed the finish line.
Wayne Kabondo did not finish the race.
Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo was the first to cross the finish line in 28 minutes 18 seconds to win his third consecutive world cross-country title.
Berihu Aregawi from Ethiopia came second in 28 minutes 36 seconds, and Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo was third in 28 minutes 45 seconds.
In the senior women’s race, Caroline Mhandu placed 71st in 38 minutes and 38 seconds out of 89 participants. Answer Tasara could not finish the race.
Mhandu also competing at the global championships for the first time said it was a learning curve.
“My performance was not bad since this was a tough competition. I did my best and gave it my all.
“It was a tough competition. The course was okay.
“I think I need to work a little bit more to lower the time.
“Since it was my first time, I am happy and grateful to God for this opportunity. I feel encouraged after competing with some of the world’s best, you learn one or two things,” said Mhandu.
Kenya’s Agnes Jebet Ngetich won the race in 31 minutes 28 seconds.
She was followed by Uganda’s Joy Cheptoyek in 32 minutes 10 seconds while Senayet Getachew settled for third place in 32 minutes 13 seconds.
In the Under-20 (juniors), Jackson Nyamazana finished on position 59 in 27 minutes 43 seconds in the men’s 8km race while Tulange Mudenda placed 63rd in the women’s 6km in 24 minutes 18 seconds.
